ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: Be Transparent In The Distribution of FG Palliative, Gov. Adeleke Urges Committee

Sunday Okunade

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on stakeholders overseeing the distribution of the Federal Government's palliative to ensure transparency and honesty, stressing that the aid must reach the most vulnerable in the state.

The Governor made this appeal during the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of the Federal Government's palliative and food items to vulnerable groups at the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) Warehouse in Abere.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Emergency Management, Hon. Emiola Fakeye, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their steadfast support and dedication to the welfare of the people. He commended NEMA’s timely intervention and highlighted the initiative as a vital lifeline for many during these challenging times.

Governor Adeleke also acknowledged the crucial role played by security agencies in maintaining order and ensuring a smooth and safe distribution process. He further applauded the efforts of stakeholders and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the palliative reached those in greatest need.

Governor Adeleke urged beneficiaries to make good use of the resources, emphasizing that the items were provided to support them and their families during this period of economic hardship. He encouraged the community to continue working together to uplift the state, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In her remarks, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, represented by the Southwest Zonal Director, Mr. Stephen Adewale revealed that President Bola Tinubu, under his "Renewed Hope" agenda, approved the release of 23,400 bags of maize (50kg each) and 5,040 bags of garri (25kg each) to Osun State, in an effort to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn. She noted that the food items should be distributed equally across all local government areas, with 20% allocated to religious organizations and 3% to boarding schools.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who is also a member of the palliative distribution committee, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments for providing the food items and necessary logistics. He assured the public that Governor Adeleke has directed that the palliatives be distributed fairly and without bias, ensuring that only the deserving vulnerable groups receive them.

Barrister John Kalu, Chief Legal Officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in Osun, praised Governor Adeleke for the various infrastructural projects that have transformed the state, even though he had not met the governor in person. He pledged that the ICPC would monitor the distribution of the palliatives to ensure accountability and transparency.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of OSEMA, Jide Falade, described the event as a collaborative effort between the Federal and Osun State Governments. He emphasized that the distribution is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly those hardest hit by the economic challenges.

Falade thanked both the State Governor and the Federal Government for the substantial resources committed to securing the palliatives and urged the beneficiaries to make the most use of the support provided.

Also present at the event were the Commissioner for Cooperative and Empowerment, Bayo Ogungbangbe, permanent secretary, Special Duties duties, Mr Oyedeji and Heads of Local Government Administration, OSEMA Staff, among others.